GORAKHPUR: With Beijing scuttling India’s latest bid to have JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN, Union minister VK Singh has warned that the day is not far when China would have to pay a heavy price once it gets hit by Pakistan-backed terrorism.

“The friendship between China and Pakistan appears to be very strong but the day is not far when China too gets affected by Pakistan-backed terrorism,” Singh, who is here to take part in a function at the Gorakhnath temple, told reporters on Monday night.

“When such a situation arises, China will have to pay a heavy price,” the minister of state for external affairs said, adding, “Pakistan has an important place in Chinese diplomacy … China’s intervention in that case must be seen in this context.”

After the attack on the IAF base at Pathankot on January 2, India in February had written to the United Nations calling for immediate action to list Azhar under the al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

India’s submission was considered by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical aspects of the evidence provided. The technical team then with the support of the US, the UK and France had sent it to all the members. However, hours before the deadline, China requested the committee to put a hold on the issue of banning the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief.

Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Liu Jieyi said Azhar does not qualify to be nailed as a “terrorist” to face UN sanctions as his case “did not meet” the Security Council’s requirements.
China, one of the five permanent members of the UN with veto powers, has claimed that its decision is based on facts and rules.